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Period: to
Early Life and Political Beginnings
Born in Allahabad, India -
Period: to
Education in India and Abroad
Born into the Nehru family, daughter of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Raised in a politically active environment during India’s independence movement. -
Married Feroze Gandhi
Studied at Shantiniketan (founded by Rabindranath Tagore) and later at Oxford University. -
Entering Politics & Rise to Leadership
Joined India’s independence struggle and was briefly imprisoned by the British .Joined the Congress Party’s Working Committee -
Elected President of the Indian National Congress
Actively participated in policymaking and governance. -
Became Minister of Information and Broadcasting
Gained experience in leading the ruling party at a national level. -
Became India’s First Woman Prime Minister
strengthened India’s public communication and media reach. -
Led India in the Bangladesh Liberation War
After the sudden death of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri, she was chosen to lead India. -
India’s First Nuclear Test (Smiling Buddha)
Implemented policies that boosted agricultural production, making India self-sufficient in food. -
Period: to
Declared National Emergency
Made India a nuclear power, strengthening national security. -
Lost Elections & Faced Political Opposition
Due to political unrest, she imposed Emergency Rule, leading to a period of strict governance and loss of democratic freedoms. -
Return to Power & Final Years
Re-elected as Prime Minister. After public dissatisfaction with the Emergency, she lost power but remained politically active. -
Operation Blue Star (Punjab Crisis)
Won the elections and focused on economic and military growth -
Assassinated by Her Own Bodyguards
Ordered military action in the Golden Temple to control Sikh militancy, leading to tensions. Killed by her Sikh bodyguards in response to Operation Blue Star, sparking national mourning.